Soke Kuniba was born in Japan. February 5, 1935. His father, Kuniba Kosei, began training him at age 5. Soke Kuniba's father determined that Soke Kuniba would be well versed in many different arts.

Soke Kuniba was taught different arts by many very distinguished Masters. Some of the Masters are listed below. However, Soke Kuniba did train in the Seishin Kai, which was a meeting place for accomplished Martial Artists:

• 1. Master Mabuni---------------------Shito-Ryu Karate
• 2. Master Kuniba, Kosei--------------Shito-Ryu Karate
• 3. Master Asakichi, Itoh---------------Judo
• 4. Master Gogetsu, Ishii---------------Mugai-Ryu Iai-Do
• 5. Master Nagamine, Shoshin----------Shorin-Ryu Karate
• 6. Master Taira, Shinken---------------Taira Kobudo
• 7. Master Nakaima, Kenko------------Kobudo
• 8. Master Shojin, Kosha---------------Bo and Nunchaku
• 9. Master Yamaguchi, Junko-----------Tonfa

Soke Kuniba was trained in all the arts that are listed above and was promoted to Kudan in 1984 in Karate and Kudan in Goshin-Do by Rengo Kai in Japan. Soke Kuniba has formulated his own system of Karate, Kuniba-Ha Shito-Ryu and Goshin-Do, a form of Jiu Jitsu, or perhaps Tai Jitsu.

Soke Kuniba was considered one of the premier martial arts instructors of Japan. There are, perhaps, only three or four other Maters that will equal his expertise. His tragic death after a long battle with cancer on July 14, 1992, leaves a void in today's martial arts world.

Soke Kuniba was promoted to 10th Dan, post-humously, by the Dai Nippon Budo Kan Kai.

Soke Kuniba's picture is honored at the front of our Dojo.

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